Megan Nicholls Racing Preview: Newmarket & York Tips
SATURDAY RACING TIPS
Newmarket 1.15 – Darley Stakes
Damysus (6/4 fav) looks a good thing to me.
He’s very smart and while he disappointed in the Derby, he won pretty nicely last time in France. He steps back up to Group 3 level and providing he handles Newmarket, he looks very much the one to beat.
Another three-year-old, Gladius (3/1), looks his biggest challenger. He wasn’t beaten that far at York last time and he’s a horse who is going the right way.
I do think he’s got his work cut out to beat Damysus, though.
Megan’s Tip: Damysus WIN
Newmarket 1.50 – Zetland Stakes
I think Spyce (8/1) is pretty talented and I fancy him to win the Zetland.
He ran a cracker on debut in the Convivial at York. That’s always a very hot maiden and he improved from that to win at Yarmouth last time out.
I’d like to think there’s more to come, and I wouldn’t be surprised at all if he took this step up in grade in his stride.
At an each-way price, I like the look of Del Maro (17/2). I think he’s another quite talented horse and the better ground looks essential to him.
He hasn’t won yet but he’s been pitched in a Group 3 which I thought was interesting, and I give him an each-way squeak.
Megan’s Tip: Spyce WIN; Del Maro EW
York 2.05 – 1m2f Handicap
I’m really hoping Insanity (5/1) can finally get his head in front in this one.
He’s run very well the last two times, with the most recent a neck-second at the Ebor Meeting. That showed that he likes York and the ground should be in his favour too.
I don’t see the change in trip being an issue and he should be able to get a prominent position from stall five. I’m very hopeful of a big performance.
Megan’s Tip: Insanity WIN
Newmarket 2.25 – Autumn Stakes
I’m keen on Al Zanati (11/4) here.
Stepping up to a mile should suit and the runner-up from his debut win has exceeded expectations, so the form has a good look to it.
Al Zanati looks just the type to improve with time and distance and Godolphin usually send a pretty good one to this race.
There should be loads more to come and he could be quite smart.
Megan’s Tip: Al Zanati WIN
Newmarket 3.00 – Dewhurst Stakes
I’m struggling to get away from Zavateri (7/2), who just keeps winning.
He beat Gstaad (7/2) last time at the Curragh and he’s one of those horses that never wins by a wide margin, so there could easily be a bit more in the tank. I do think the rising ground at Newmarket will play to his strengths and I can see him running up the hill strongly.
He’s got a great attitude and there’s a perfectly legitimate case that he should be shorter- if he was trained by Charlie Appleby or Aidan O’Brien he would be.
Megan’s Tip: Zavateri WIN
Newmarket 3.40 – Cesarewitch Handicap
One of the big betting races of the entire Flat season and BetMGM are paying five places each-way which is nice of them!
I’m going with Harry Eustace’s Divine Comedy (11/1).
She keeps running well in these staying handicaps, including last time at Goodwood. The ground that day was heavy and I think she’s better on a sounder surface, so the conditions should suit.
She’s just a very steady operator and this looks the sort of race she will go nicely in.
Megan’s Tip: Divine Comedy EW
Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation
